Surviving the GCSE years – a parents’ guide

Studying for GCSEs is a major milestone in the lives of all children. For the first time in their lives, from Year 9 onwards, they’re working toward actual qualifications which will impact their future and they are starting to make decisions which are preparing them for independence and adulthood.

As parents, our role is also changing. We are no longer the most important people in our teenager’s lives; they don’t listen to us like they used to but they still need advice and encouragement. We are no longer the referee to their lives; we need to move to the role of coach.

Rather than telling them what to do, as parents we can guide our young adults to help them form good habits that will set them up for the future, not only in terms of lifestyle such as eating the right foods, being active, having interests outside school, but also in helping them discover which ways of learning suit them most so they can succeed in their GCSEs and move onto the next phase of their lives with the qualifications they deserve.

With this in mind, we’ve brought together three experts in the field of education for a special evening at HurstWorks on Thursday 23rd January from 6-9pm called ‘Surviving the GCSE years – a parents’ guide.’

The evening will take the form of a panel discussion as we explore how to help your child survive the teenage years from Yrs 9-11, both emotionally and academically.

Our panel includes:

Emma McCrea – Curriculum Expert

Emma McCrea is a globally recognised expert in curriculum. She is currently Head of Curriculum Design at Oak National Academy (over 160 million lessons taken) and an Associate at the DfE. Previously a Lecturer in ITT, maths teacher, school leader, and successful edtech founder, Emma holds a Fellowship in Teacher Education and is the author of two books on maths education. In her spare time, she competes as part of the National Team in obstacle course racing.

Jenny Huggett – Teacher

Jenny is founder of Jenny Huggett Education, a fledgling business whose aim is to provide learning that is so much more than just attainment of exam grades. She currently teaches English, French and Spanish, specialising in GCSE but also teaches A level students and adults. She believes in igniting curiosity and a passion for learning among her students and is resolute in her aim to bring joy and humour into all her lessons. She is all about equality of opportunity and is on a mission to deliver free support to those who cannot afford tuition, as well as more affordable group tuition, in addition to the classic one-to-one tutoring services. She is a qualified teacher with a degree in Linguistics and over 30 years’ teaching experience in the UK and abroad.

Rachael Martin – Qualified Counsellor

Rachael Martin is a qualified Counsellor and Youth Worker. She works with teenagers who are struggling and their parents who just feel lost with what’s the right thing to do. Using her skills from youth work, leading people and counselling she is in a position to hold a supportive space for teenagers and to also give parents insight into how you can help them whilst they navigate a very confusing and challenging time.